Ella and Tom, like all children, love nothing better than getting wet with a splash! splash! and they are lucky enough to be sitting in the garden for breakfast one morning when a bird in the birdbath makes a splash. Later at the beach they take Toby the dog for a swim in the sea and fish for crabs in rock pools, each time getting nicely wet! Back home again and it is time for the paddling pool to come out. Before bed there is time for a nice wet bath and finally when they are in bed there is the rain on the window to watch and listen to.

Not only are there plenty of opportunities for Ella and Tom to get wet but there are plenty of opportunities for children reading the book to touch and feel the different textures associated with each of their actions; decide which they like the feel of best and get used to using their sense of touch to identify objects.

As well as using the sense of touch children are encouraged to use their visual sense as some  shimmery images have been included: the water in the birdbath, the soap bubbles in the bath and the rain on the window sparkle intriguingly. Toby the dog on the other hand feels soft, the crab smooth, the paddling pool squidgy and the bath-time sponge squishy. 

 A reassuring and useful book that is perfect for sharing as well as developing the language and imagination skills of toddlers and young children. These books could even be used with babies because of their board format. This title forms part of a series by a renowned childcare expert that parents and carers can be assured will develop their child in many ways.

2008-01-13